The Government is exploring the possibility of lifting the fixed maximum prices for eggs. This decision was taken following a meeting with the Poultry Farmers Associations and Eggs Producers’ Associations at the Prime Minister’s office recently.
The President’s Secretary, Secretaries to the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture had also participated in the meeting.
At this meeting, industrialists who are now engaged in the industry of poultry farming and eggs marketing business have assured that the current shortage of eggs in the open market can be solved within the next 15 days if steps are taken to lift the maximum fixed prices for eggs.
Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera will submit a proposal to the Cabinet in due course to lift the maximum prices for eggs in the country.
Sri Lanka Poultry Farmers’ Association Executive Director S.M. Premaratne told the Sunday Observer that the Government has to be sympathetic towards the grievances of poultry farmers countrywide since the cost of production of eggs has gone up drastically in the recent past due to the economic crisis in the country. Tax relief to import raw materials of manufacturing poultry feed need to be introduced as nearly 450,00 small scale poultry farmers countrywide are now engaged in this industry as self- employment, he said.